It is described as follows: “A method for use in advertising includes initiating playing of interactive content, suspending playing of the interactive content, displaying an advertisement and resuming playing of the interactive content.” Basically, it stops your game so you can see a picture/video of a soda can. Not intrusive at all, then.

The file was patented back in July 2011 but we have no details on how Sony plan to use it. Sony may not actually have any current plans to use it. It wouldn’t be first patent to never see the light of day, and I don’t think we need to worry about having our races in Gran Turismo interrupted by an Audi advert.

We shouldn’t scoff at this, though, because it could benefit players. We can see a situation where a PSN game may have two purchase options: one free-to-play or reduced-price option with occasional adverts and another ad-free option for a standard price.

Needless to say, we wouldn’t be happy if we had to sit through an ad for a game we’ve just spent good money on.

Could you live with the occasional Best Brand Soda advert if it meant getting the game for free or cheap?